Quiqui Waterfall, Panama: How to Get There & What to Expect

Quiqui Waterfall (Cascada Quiqui) is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever been to. Because of the remote location; very few tourists make the trip keeping it almost completely natural. If you are traveling through Panama and want to get off the beaten path; this waterfall is a MUST-SEE!

How to Get There

Quiqui Waterfall is a 2 hour drive from David making it the perfect day trip! If you’re staying in Boquete; there is a bus that departs hourly to the station in David making transportation super easy. Since the road to Quiqui Waterfall is rocky and involves crossing a small creek; a 4×4 is absolutely required. We rented a Toyota Helux from Budget Rent-A-Car in David which worked out perfectly. Check out the map below for our driving route from David to the parking area.

What to Bring

If you’re heading to Quiqui Waterfall for the day make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, running shoes, and a towel. The waterfall is in a very remote area. You won’t find any restaurants, hotels, or English for miles. There are plenty of grocery stores in both Boquete and David, though, so pack a lunch and some road snacks to get you through the day.

Related: Panama Travel Guide

Quiqui Waterfall

The waterfall is situated in the Ngabe-bugle Comarca Privinve along the Rio Quiqui (Quiqui River). Since the waterfall is on private land, you will have to pay a small fee of $3 USD per person. When we arrived; a local lady hanging out on a hammock accepted our fee and took us to the trailhead.

The trail is only 1-2 km long and well maintained, however, it can get steep in sections. After only 5 minutes of hiking, you will begin to catch glimpses of the waterfall. Cascada Quiqui plunges over 50 feet off the side of an overhanging cliff into a beautiful blue lagoon. Spend your day swimming in the clear water and exploring the trail leading behind the waterfall.